The upgrade will enable Thuraya to offer wide-ranging 4G and 5G services to subscribers in the near future with its next-gen system and platforms
UAE-based mobile satellite services operator Thuraya has signed an agreement with Ericsson for a core network modernisation and upgrade to a 4G- and 5G-ready infrastructure. Ericsson will modernise and optimise Thuraya’s network to a virtualised core that supports existing and new features and services in the future. The deal will ensure that Thuraya can continue to offer its users the best possible user experience in the most efficient way.
Ericsson will also migrate the existing Thuraya users to the new platform and oversee its integration with existing systems. The operator’s mobile-data users, especially those in remote locations or areas where traffic is dense, will benefit from higher availability and reliability.
As a result, Thuraya can provide consumers more flexible and easy-to-use communication services integrated with various terminals, which will work seamlessly when they move between different access points.
Adnan Al Muhairi, Deputy Chief Technical Officer of Thuraya stated: “By modernising Thurayas core network, we are looking to build its resilience and enhance overall performance. This would also improve other key aspects like guaranteeing more flexible, reliable and effective services. Our strategy is to make optimum use of existing assets and invest in infrastructure upgrades so that the network is ready to accommodate Thurayas Next Generation System. We have a longstanding partnership with Ericsson and acknowledge them as a leader in deploying new technologies to enable high-quality mobile broadband solutions.
By selecting Ericsson for the modernisation of its existing mobile-core, Thuraya extends its existing partnership, in which Ericsson has been the sole vendor for its circuit-switched core network.
Speaking about the partnership, Wojciech Bajda, Head of Ericsson Gulf Council Countries said: Ericsson and Thuraya have enjoyed many years of successful cooperation, and we are committed to support in further strengthening our partner’s position and support them to introduce 4G and 5G ready core, allowing its users to enjoy the benefits of 4G and 5G technology in the future. Thurayas upgrade to a virtualised core, will certainly provide a higher-quality experience for end users while streamlining their network operations.
The upgrade will include deployment of virtual Evolved Packet Core Network, using network functions virtualization, including Ericsson Cloud Packet Core, Cloud Unified Data Management and Ericsson NFVI. The Virtual Evolved Packet Core will provide the capacity and flexibility to cope with network evolution challenges. For the network management aspects, Ericsson Network Manager is deployed to manage the virtual network functions which will secure the automation and provide operational efficiency when managing the network.
